Nested Turbine-Compressor Assembly to Reduce Space and Rotating Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine-compressor assemblies in air-cycle machines and turbochargers are bulky and heavy, consuming valuable space and resources, particularly in aircraft where space is limited and weight needs to be minimized.
Innovation Solution
A compact turbine-compressor assembly design where the turbine wheel and compressor wheel are nested relative to each other, with distinct fluid paths and a shared axle, allowing for a concentric and adjacent arrangement that reduces space requirements while maintaining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional coaxial turbine-compressor assembly is used, then functional requirements are met, but space consumption and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine wheel is nested within the compressor wheel, with the turbine wheel positioned concentrically inside the compressor wheel. This nesting arrangement allows both components to occupy the same radial space, dramatically reducing the overall volume and footprint of the assembly while maintaining all necessary functional components
2Weight of moving object
If compact nested design is implemented, then space and weight are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine wheel and compressor wheel are merged into a single integrated assembly that rotates together on a common shaft. This combination reduces the total rotating mass compared to having separate assemblies, while the modular design with distinct fluid paths maintains manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The nested assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones with separate fluid paths for the turbine and compressor. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently while maintaining the compact nested structure, balancing manufacturing ease with space efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compact design results in lower rotating mass, reduced bearing forces, higher angular acceleration, and improved efficiency compared to traditional designs, while occupying significantly less space without compromising output power.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluid path configured to convey fluid through the turbine blades
Implementation Method 2
a second fluid path configured to convey fluid through the compressor blades
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a compact turbine-compressor assembly 25. The turbine-compressor assembly 25 includes a turbine wheel 39 with one or more turbine blades 41 and a compressor wheel 47 that includes one or more compressor blades 49. The compressor wheel 47 is concentric with the turbine wheel 39. Furthermore, the compressor wheel 47 and the turbine wheel 39 are not located at opposite ends of a common axle with a medial portion of the axle distancing them apart, as is the case with prior art turbine-compressor assemblies that are known. In contrast, the turbine wheel 39 and the compressor wheel 47 are located adjacent to each other and in one embodiment they axially overlap each other so that one nests within the other to thereby provide a compact arrangement. The turbine-compressor assembly 25 includes a first fluid path 67 which is configured to convey fluid, which will typically be air, through the turbine blades 41. The turbine-compressor assembly 25 also includes a second fluid path 77 which is configured to convey fluid, which will typically be air, through the compressor blades. The turbine-compressor assembly 25 is arranged so that the first fluid path 67 is distinct from the second fluid path 77 and vice-versa.